CUMBERLAND COUNTY - The Maine Department of Transportation is performing safety improvements on I-295 between Falmouth and Yarmouth as well as on the Falmouth Spur (I-495).
On I-295, we are installing seven emergency pull-off areas (four on the northbound side and three on the southbound side) between Exits 11 and 15 in Falmouth and Cumberland. These will be paved areas beyond the right shoulder of the road, intended for vehicles in emergency situations to pull over and be at a safe distance from moving traffic. We are also extending the acceleration lanes at the Exit 15 northbound on-ramp and the Exit 17 southbound on-ramp. This will allow vehicles to accelerate to the proper speed before merging with traffic. This work affects both the northbound and southbound lanes between mile markers 11 and 17. Traffic will be reduced to one lane daily. The contractor on the I-295 work is Pratt and Sons, Inc. of Minot. The contract amount is approximately $3.3 million. Our anticipated completion date for the I-295 project is July 3rd.
The work on the Falmouth Spur involves paving and guardrail improvements. The contractor on this project is Shaw Brothers Construction, Inc. of Gorham. That contract amount is approximately $1.1 million. We expect this project to be finished by May 22nd.
Both these projects will also involve the temporary closures of some of the ramps that connect I-295, the Falmouth Spur, and Route 1. Detours will be clearly marked. This work is all weather-dependent.